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Crafted by hand, this jewelry box by Julio Sanchez is a superb example of a traditional Peruvian art. He works in mohena wood, a fine hardwood whose grain is similar to mahogany. Beautifully tooled leather depicts ancient Inca icons, and the locking chest has ornate bronze handles on each side.

Julio undertook compulsory military service during the 1980s Peruvian war on terrorism. He was wounded but survived. Like others at that time he confronted death daily and is still haunted by the violence he can't forget.

Treasured since colonial times Peruvian leather-work is a difficult and demanding art form. Characterized by high relief, it is a style requiring precision and years of practice. At age 12, under the tutelage of his uncle a master craftsman, Julio began to study the art by learning to apply the final finish to his uncle's pieces. Seeing his love of the craft and his dedication, his uncle began to teach him leather tooling at age 16. To this day. Julio has never tired of his art. He continues to practice and perfect the art of Peruvian leather work, often training many of the artisans, past and present, employed by his workshop.

The patience that leatherwork demands has helped Julio to maintain his workshop. He is constantly training other artisans and encouraging them to move on by opening their own workshops. He provides steady employment to numerous artisans in his community.

"An ideal gift!"

Inca Domain-Colonial Tooled Leather Jewelry Box
I purchased this for our son as a gift. It has top quality workmanship and the design work is fascinating. The key is attached to a leather tag with an Inca design. It came quick and was well packaged.

Andes

"My art is a family heritage, handed down over generations of great masters in the art of tooled leather. I was fortunate to learn from one of them, and that has made me what I am today."

"Hola! I'm Julio Eugenio Sanchez Bernuy, born December 20, 1965 in the beautiful city of Huaraz. I lived there with my grandparents until I was nine, then moved to my uncle's house in Callao, where the schools were better.

"My uncle worked with wood and leather, and I learned my craft from him. When I was just 12, he let me begin finishing small pieces like leather trunks and jewelry boxes. I loved the work so much that I'd swipe pieces of leather from other people in the workshop to practice leather embossing on my own. When I was 16, my uncle began teaching me the art of tooled leather. He was a master craftsman.

"My work is a very delicate job, as it requires a lot of effort, dedication and especially, practice. I find motivation in my family. I believe that a child should go farther in life than his parents did, and that's why I want my children to become the best people they possibly can. I want them to triumph in life. If I have to work into the wee hours every night to make this happen, I'll do it because they are my soul, my heart and life.

"I married quite young. Marriage is a union not to be taken lightly, and it took much patience to get used to my wife and her customs, as everyone sees life in a different way. I enjoy spending my free time with my family, and I also like to play foosball. But I dedicate most of my free time to our children.

"Through my designs, I want to share my culture and our roots. And I also want to demonstrate the work of Peruvian leather craftspeople – we work in high relief, which is extremely difficult. It takes years to perfect the technique to the point that we become known as masters of our art.

"I also strive to create better designs day by day, because you can't let yourself get in rut. To offer my work all over the world, I need the highest quality, as today's shoppers are more discerning than ever.

"My art is a family heritage, handed down over generations of great masters in the art of tooled leather. I was fortunate to learn from one of them, and that has made me what I am today. Now my challenge is to do better with every passing day.

"Thank you, Novica, for your support — you motivate us craftspeople to continue improving our art. Thanks to you, we can give our children a better life so that they can achieve more than their parents. That is my dream."

5 Testimonials for Julio Sanchez

Catherine

I purchased an accent table ""Moche Fisherman"" made by Julio. I absolutely love my new table! The quality of workmanship is superb. The colour of the wood is rich and the hand carved leather top is perfection. My table arrived safely in the post to Canada. Very well packaged. I will enjoy your work Julio for many years to come, and may order more. Thank you.

Karen

A small piece of art to hold jewelry, keepsakes, or memorabilia. Beautifully crafted and a delight to use. Thanks.

I have two of the hand tooled pieces by Mr. Sanchez. My first purchase was ""Ancient Legacy"". It is an exquisite piece, much darker brown than in the photo. I also own ""Inca Sea"" which is entirely different in color and design. Both are examples of talented workmanship. I would highly recommend the work of Mr. Sanchez. It gives me so much pleasure to own his beautiful creations